The Prince's Servant

Part thirteen

* * *
Thor showed me around their camp. We're walking back to the main tent.
"I have one question." I start.
"All of this, everything I've showed you, and you only have one question? Ha!" Thor asks with a chuckle. "Glad to see you haven't changed too much." He adds. I smile. "What's your question?" He asks.
"Have... Have you, well.. I can't find the words..." I start as I think for a moment. Thor looks over at me, anticipating my question. " Thor, do you remember a soldier by the name of Joshua? The last time I saw him, he was a Commander." I ask.
"Ahh yes. He never left the royal army. Although, I'm sorry to tell you, but the last time I saw him was three months ago... He was sent out on a scouting mission and hasn't come back since." Thor answers. My heart drops as he answers my question.
"Thank you." I reply as we reach the tent. I can smell food being served. My stomach grumbles, I haven't been able to keep track of time since I left the palace.
"Are you hungry?" Thor asks as we enter the tent. I smirk and nod my head. "Come, you are my guest here. Anything you want, just name it." He adds as he seats me at the table in the seat across from him.

The evening turns to night as I feast with the soldiers. It triggers memories of when Josh and I would meet in the dining hall each night and eat together. Thor walks me to a tent.
"You can sleep here. I will personally make sure you are not bothered by anyone." He says as I enter the tent.
"Why am I here?" I ask trying to stay polite.
"Excuse me?" Thor asks as he turns back to face me.
"I've served the throne long enough to know when they're plotting and planning. Why am I here?" I ask again as I sit on the small cot in the tent. Thor sighs and looks down.
"I'll tell you our plans in the morning. For now, just rest." He answers as he leaves. I sigh and lay on the small cot. My mind is racing, I can't stop thinking about Loki, and what may have become of him, and I can't stop thinking about Josh. I miss them both. Sleep becomes so impossible to where all I can do is lay there and wait for morning to come.
* * *
Morning arrives and I wake up. I hadn't noticed that I actually fell asleep. I stand to my feet and stretch my back. I really hate sleeping in cots. As I make my way back to the main tent I was in the other night, I see Thor already talking to other soldiers and giving them orders.
"Morning m'lady." A passing soldier greets me. I'm a bit caught off guard but nevertheless I greet him back. This happens multiple times as I reach Thor.
"Good morning Jennifer." Thor greets cheerfully. I force a smile on my face and take a seat at the table. "You were asking why you're here, well, we need you to scope out the palace." Thor starts. I'm a bit confused at this point but I stay listening. "Just return to your normal duties. I shall escort you back to the palace so no one asks many questions. Just explore the different places, that... Umm..." He pauses.
"So basically I'm looking for Loki or signs of Loki, am I correct?" I ask a bit annoyed.
"Indeed. Are you capable?" He asks.
"Yes. I'm pretty sure I am." I answer.
"Excellent. Off we go then, I shall stay in the palace as you're looking. Observe and report." He says.
* * *
We arrive at the palace. Thor walks with me up the stairs and inside. Thor and I go our separate ways, he walks into the throne room, and I make my way back to my chambers. As I walk through the hall, I come to the spot were the young maidservant was murdered. My heart drops a bit as I make my way through without stopping. My room finally comes into view.
"Greetings father." Thor greets Odin.
"How are the nine realms doing?" Odin asks from his seat on the throne.
"Well. They are doing quite well." Thor answers.

I enter my chambers and walk to the bathroom. I begin to quickly freshen up.

"And how are things going with the rebels?" Odin asks.
"It's been, challenging, but nevertheless, they shall be dealt with." Thor answers.
* * *
I exit my room with a fresh change of clothes. As I make my way to the end of the hall, I am met by prince Thor.
"I need you to do me a favor." He starts.
"Okay...?" I say while waiting for him to give me orders.
"Go into the throne room and address my father." He says.
"You want me to question the King?" I ask a bit intimidated.
"Yes." He answers.
"I don't really have a choice, now do I?" I ask hoping he'll say otherwise. Thor smirks and shakes his head. I sigh and make my way to the throne room. As I approach the huge double doors, I get nervous. I turn around to ask Thor something, but there's no sign of him. I sigh and push the doors open.

I enter the throne room with a lame excuse in my mind.
"Your Highness," I start as I try to keep my nervousness to myself.
"Yes yes, what is it?" Odin asks with an annoyed tone in his voice. He doesn't even look at me.
"I-I was coming to inquire of the King's health." I say trying not to sound so lame. An annoyed expression spreads across the King's face. He looks at me. As he makes eye contact with me, something about his character changes. His eye widens and he looks as if he's seen a ghost. "M'lord?" I say in a questioning tone. Odin stands to his feet and walks over to me. I get extremely nervous. Silence fills the throne room as Odin approaches me. He stops right in front of me and turns to the guards by the throne.
"Leave us." He orders and turns back to me. The guards leave and close the throne room doors. "J-Jennifer," He stutters. A confused expression spreads across my face. Just then a golden light begins to fill the room. I shut my eyes due to the bright light. I realize this light is familiar. As I open my eyes, there standing in front of me is a shocked Loki. He looks down at me, he's shocked to see me. Words escape the both of us.